Over the past three years, we’ve shared the stories of hundreds of inspiring creative Charlotteans at work in our city. And, throughout that time, we’ve learned one immutable truth …

We’ll never run out of inspiring, creative Charlotteans at work in our city.

While we may not always give ourselves enough credit for it, the Queen City is fortunate to have a passionate (and nearly endless) community of innovative and artistic neighbors. And, while it’s a nearly impossible task to share them all, we’re sure going to try.

This week, we’re featuring:

• Jaianna McCants – @jvinylart
• Michelle Fernandez – @limoncitogoods
• Cat Babbie – @catbmakes
• Hyun Yee – @workbylee

If you’d like us to get to know you and your work better, please start by submitting your creative profile.

Four creatives to know on July 9, 2021:

Jaianna McCants

IG: @jvinylart
WEB: jvinylart.com

If there’s one thing to know about New York-born, North Carolina-raised creative, Jaianna McCants, it’s that she loves vinyl records … a lot. She uses records as canvases for visual art, from paintings on vinyl to mixed media work incorporating vinyl to handbags.

(If you’re thinking about a commission, think again. She’s booked through September.)

With a BFA in design from UNC-Greensboro, a certification in art education from UNC-Charlotte and an MFA in creative business leadership from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), McCants is all about that art life, working hard to be a full-time “artrepreneur.”

Tell us about the creative community in Charlotte.

[It’s] constantly growing … I can’t wait to see how it grows in the future.

How can the Charlotte community better support creatives?

[By making available] more funding and vending opportunities for artists. I would suggest more local small galleries. It would be nice if there were more galleries in the NoDa area.

[Also, more] opportunities to showcase work in the Charlotte area. I often have to go to Atlanta or elsewhere for showcase opportunities.

---

Michelle Fernandez

IG: @limoncitogoods
WEB: limoncitogoods.com

Michelle Fernandez has lived and worked in the Charlotte area for 17 years. Her creative passion is working with Jesmonite (a composite material made of gypsum-based material in an acrylic resin) to “mold and cast terrazzo home goods and accessories aimed at bringing … joy to people’s days.”

Tell us about the creative community in Charlotte.

It’s resilient, determined, welcoming and unique.

How can the Charlotte community better support creatives?

Charlotte needs to value the identity that creatives bring to the city and support them with affordable and sustainable spaces to work and live.

What are the greatest challenges facing your creative career in Charlotte right now?

To sign a lease on my own studio to weave together mental health and art through group therapy and art therapy.

[Editor’s Note: The featured image of this article is work created by Michelle.]

---

Cat Babbie

IG: @catbmakes
WEB: catbabbie.com⁣

Visual artist Cat Babbie moved to Charlotte 13 years ago. She recently won a HUG micro-grant to help her buy a printer she needs to create the patterns she uses in her colorful, whimsical and highly detailed fiber work. And, she was selected to sell her work at @vangoghclt.

Tell us about your work.

I am an abstract fiber artist, and my first love and biggest inspiration is color. My work ranges from tufted wall pieces and weaving to felt sculptures and chain stitch patches.⁣ (Click here for an example.)

Tell us about the creative community in Charlotte.

The creative community is full of amazingly talented and generous people who I am thrilled to call my dearest friends!

How can the Charlotte community better support creatives?

Reach out to local creatives, first, whenever there’s an opportunity to spread creative action around our city.⁣

What’s one of your creative goals over the next six months?

There are so many to choose from, but I think the most exciting of them is going big. I’m working on ways to scale up my artwork into interactive sculptures!⁣

---

Hyun Lee

IG: @workbylee
WEB: workbylee.com

Originally from Seoul, South Korea, artist Hyun Lee moved to Charlotte 16 years ago. Last year, she showed at C3Lab … and it opened a door for her. After raising her family, Lee, who works in metal, clay, wood and mixed media, is getting back to building her creative career here. While she was out of the creative life for awhile, she’s bringing that experience — parenthood — to her work.

“I learned something from life and became a person not to rush,” said Lee. “I enjoy my chances whenever they are given to me now.”

Tell us about your work.

My work includes small pieces gathered together as a whole unit on the wall like a quilt. I love gathering. My recent/ongoing work is a gathering of small clay houses I created for a “100 days” project.

Tell us about the creative community in Charlotte.

Charlotte is greater and bolder than everyone knows.